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Bible Pathways - July 9, 2006

God's goodness and Israel's waywardness; blessedness of living in God's presence; David's desire to walk in truth

The Holy Spirit guided David to unite the only two weapons of our spiritual warfare — prayer and the inspired Word of God. Psalm 86 expresses the power we have when these become our way of life.

When David prayed: Bow down Thine ear, O LOrd, hear me: for I am poor and needy (Psalm 86:1), he was acknowledging his dependence on God (86:2). He continued to pray: Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto Thee daily (86:3). Although David was the king of Israel he recognized the lordship of God over his life (86:4). He often spoke of himself as the servant of the Lord in the Psalms.

David continued in worship to confess God's mercy and readiness to forgive. He expressed the utmost confidence that God listens to His people's prayers and delivers them from all harm regardless of their circumstances (86:5,7,13,15).

David then asked God to teach him to obey Him. The godly person does not depend upon previous learning to continue a day-by-day walk in the way of truth, but upon the continual daily guidance of God through His Word. Instruction is much more than just information; it is also the means to understand His will and to be obedient, for it carries the thought of correction (86:11). The child of God never graduates from God's school of instruction; that is why all of us need to read His Word each day.

A commitment to Christ to be the Lord of your life is essential. The Apostle Peter recognized this when he admonished us to diligently build upon our faith virtue (moral excellence), then knowledge, then temperance (self-control), then patience, then godliness, then brotherly kindness, which will produce in us genuine charity (love) to do the will of God (II Peter 1:5-8). The God who created us has made everything which pertains to life and godliness available to us. His power is made possible as we read His Word, for the Word of God is quick (living and active), and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). We have the potential to live in obedience to His Word. But, we must take the initiative. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

Christ Revealed:

By Jerusalem, from where the psalmist declared all of the springs (source) of joy and happiness emanate (Psalm 87:7). Jesus is the source of our joy as the angel announced at His birth (Luke 2:10). Jesus also declared: These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11).